The Unsung Heroes

Our travelling Mainstage family consists not only of the usual suspects (Meg, Tim, and the kids) but our secret weapons: Elsabe and Rick Dixon. I don't think we've had a day yet where one of us didn't say "thank goodness the Dixons are here!" Enthusiastic and worldly with a jaw-dropping amount of knowledge on a vast array of topics, The Dixons have enlivened the trip every step of the way. From taking kids to art galleries to enjoying a meal to being our emisarries to receive Doug Kehlenbrink's friend at The Globe, the Dixons show up on time and smiling. As someone cursed with acute shyness, I've often turned around to see Rick engaged in conversation with our bus driver, chatting animatedly with one of the musicians here for the Military Tattoo, or asking follow up questions of our Tour Guides. The Dixons famously made friends with a couple on the train who were headed up to Edinburgh to put on a Gilbert & Sullivan show; they are now following us on Twitter.

Of the many things we are working on teaching the students on this trip, theater skills and travel skills are probably the most obvious, but the social skills the kids are learning are equally important. We've seen it in the amazed response to the kids' eye contact and energy, and in how assiduously they make sure that everyone is included during meal time and adventure time. We want these students to know that part of being a citizen in the world means you can sit down next to anyone and ignite a conversation if you lead with openness and curiosity. Inspired by Elsabe's exhortation to get out and make friends with the other schools, a group led by Maddy, Lauryn, Bailey, Annabelle, Brooke and Leo met the kids from NJ. They came back beaming and reported that they'd had a wonderful time. Tomorrow morning, the Dixons are leading a grop of kids to a circus featuring the world's largest marionettes and a troop of Polish clowns.

Travel isn't just about where you go, it's whom you go with.

Here are some of Elsabe's pictures from the trip:

Meeting the illustrious Patrick S. at the Globe Theater...

(I call this photo "American warmth vs. British Reserve")

In Heathrow Airport, before we were asked to "Move Along Now!"

At Dulles Airport. This picture feels like it was taken months ago. We were so young back then!

The reason we can cross the street and not get squooshed like bugs: